Crime

1MCB Chambers is perhaps most renowned for its specialist criminal work. Members provide the highest quality representation at all levels of seniority: whether a particular case requires Queen’s Counsel, a senior junior, or a more junior barrister, 1MCB offers a friendly, practical and professional service.

As well as providing expert pre-trial advice on evidence, preparation, and trial strategy, and advocacy at trial, members of the crime team are regularly instructed to present appeals in the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, and the Privy Council. Some members also have experience of crime-related judicial review, such as challenges to decisions to caution or to prosecute youths.

Chambers’ crime team is widely recognised for its tenacious defence work. Indeed, although some members now prosecute, many exclusively defend. The crime team is resolutely committed to the principle of access to justice, and prides itself on its reputation for being professional yet approachable, whichever side it is instructed to represent. Continuity of representation is recognised as being of enormous importance, irrespective of the seriousness of the allegation faced by the lay client.

Members of the crime team are regularly instructed in cases of homicide, serious violence, organised crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism. Cases involving allegations of sexual violence – particularly when such cases involve children – require expertise combined with sensitivity and impeccable judgment: many members of the crime team have considerable experience in this area.

The crime team can provide particular expertise in cases involving white-collar crime. The team has considerable experience in corporate and commercial fraud, insider-trading and cases with an international dimension. Members of the crime team at 1MCB Chambers also enjoy vast experience in cases involving confiscation and forfeiture proceedings.